Programme

Johann Sebastian Bach

Prelude and Fugue No. 17 in A-Flat Major, BWV 862 2
minutes )

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Piano Sonata No. 11 in A Major, K. 331 3
minutes )

Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)

Piano Sonata No. 8 in C Minor, Op. 13, "Pathetique" 4
minutes )

Fryderyk Chopin
Fantasy-Impromptu in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 66 5
minutes )

Total timing (38 minutes )

Presenter Information 6

1
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)
Prelude and Fugue No. 17 in A-Flat Major, BWV 862

J.S. Bach was a contemporary of Handel and

Telemann. Yet, Bach was often considered a
towering figure of the Baroque period for two
reasons: he was a prolific composer who
excelled in almost every genre (except opera);
his compositions reflected the comprehensive
stylistic features of Baroque music.

The first book of the Well-Tempered Klavier

was while Bach held was the Kappellmeister at
Cö then. The collection, dated in 1722, consists
of preludes and fugues in all 24 keys. These
works could be played on the clavichord, the
harpsichord, the organ or even the modern
piano.

Prelude No.17 in A flat major is dominated by the short opening motive. The
music evokes a festive mood as the motive is echoed in various register of the
piano. The subject of the stately fugue, which consists of two three-note chords
landing on the dominant, is announced by the tenor, bass, soprano and finally
alto. It is supported by a flowing countersubject at each recurrence.

2
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791)
Piano Sonata No. 11 in A Major, K. 331 (1783)
I. Theme and Variations: Andante grazioso
II. Menuetto
III. Alla turca: Allegretto

Throughout his short life, Mozart wrote more

than six hundred works. His keyboard works
made up of a considerable share of his output,
as these brought Mozart his much needed in
come as a freelance composer and pianist in
Vienna.

The A major Sonata, K. 331, is perhaps one of

the best known among Mozart’s 18 piano
sonatas. The lilting, pastoral theme of the first
movement is followed by six variations,
including a third in the tonic minor, a fourth
with hand-crossing. The fifth variation is an
Adagio followed by the boisterous finale in
common time. The second movement is a Minuet with a majestic opening in A
major, followed by the Trio in D major. It is followed by the famous Rondo alla
Turca. The frequent appearance of flourishes in the both hands suggest the
sounds of the cymbals and triangles often associated with Turkish music at the
time.

3
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)
Piano Sonata No. 8 in C Minor, Op. 13, "Pathetique" (1798)
I. Grave - Allegro di molto e con brio
II. Adagio cantabile
III. Rondo: Allegro

Like his nine symphonies, Beethoven’s piano

sonatas are valuable documents of the
composer’s career. Beethoven wrote a total of
32 piano sonatas between 1795 and 1822. The
Piano Sonata No.8 was dedicated his patron,
Prince Lichnowsky. It was often considered as
the milestone of Beethoven’s transition from
the Classical to the Romantic idiom.

The first movement is in sonata form, preceded

by ominous slow introduction full of
dissonances. A short cadenza leads into the
nervous first theme in C minor, rocketing over
two octaves. The second theme, featuring trills,
appears in the unexpected key E flat minor, building up to the closing theme in E
flat major. The slow introduction recurs just before the development and
recapitulation.

The Adagio cantabile begins with a tranquil melody in A flat. It is contrasted by a

middle section in A flat minor, which modulates through E and E flat major before
the theme is reprised with reinforced vigor.

The last movement reveals a sonata rondo design (ABACABA). The rondo theme
begins short-breathed motive which recalls the nervous energy of the first
movement. At the heart of the movement is a remarkable contrapunctal episode
in A flat and another. Interestingly, the rondo theme is heard faintly in A flat
major, before the ferocious conclusion in C minor.

4
Fryderyk Chopin (1810-1849)
Fantasy-Impromptu in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 66 (1834)

Between 1834 and 1842 Chopin wrote his

four impromptus, which are works suggesting
an improvisatory character and flexible
structure. The Fantasy-Impromptu, op.66 was
the first of the group and it was not intended
for publication at first.

The music begins with a whirlwind theme in E

major with peaks at a high G before it winds
down into the Largo section. The hushed,
cantabile melody in D flat major is played over
the rippling triplet accompaniment. After the
third repetition, the opening melody returns
with increased velocity. The cantabile theme
makes a final

5
 Presenter Information

Today the presenter is Ng Cheuk Hin, Bernard. He shows a great enthusiasm in

learning and performing music. He has joined the Yip’s Choir at the age of four
learning the basics of music. Later on, he joined the school choir, vocal group and
assume the role of pianist and organist. Besides, he also takes part in other
musical instruments like violin and flute. Bernard believes that by different
exposure, it can enrich his musical life.